TWO WORCESTER care home residents are celebrating reaching their 100th and 104th milestone birthdays.
Hilda Hines celebrated her 104th birthday at Sanctuary Care’s Juniper House Residential Care Home in St John’s, on Saturday (October 31).
Hilda was born in Carden Street, Worcester, to parents Robert and Rachael Bemand in 1911, six months before the sinking of the Titanic, and has spent all of her life living in the city, ballroom dancing with her late Husband Tim Hines.
When asked her secret to longevity and her youthful appearance, Hilda said: “Working hard, looking after myself and a good face cream. But I really don’t feel my age.”
Hilda’s only child Steve Hines said: “She’s never smoked or drank heavily. Another interesting thing is she’s never even tasted a cup of tea!”
Hilda lived independently until the age of 102 and has been living with Sanctuary Care since then.
100-year-old Phyllis Cox also celebrated her birthday last week, on Thursday (October 29) at Sanctuary Care’s Regent Residential Care Home in St John’s.
Born in Wiltshire in 1915 to parents Frank and Mabel Crocker, Phyllis left school at the age of 14 and became a maid at a large house near Bath working in a glove factory where she met her late husband Les, before moving to Blakefield Road, Worcester and having two children, Sheila and Geoffrey Cox.
When asked her secret to reaching such a great age, Phyllis said: “Having a happy family life, working hard and being able to enjoy life with my family around me. And the odd glass of wine or sherry now and then.
“I had such a wonderful day and loved being surrounded by my family and friends, and receiving such wonderful cards.”
Geoffrey said: “She was a very caring mum who made sure we were clothed and fed very well.
“We feel very proud she has reached this age and are thankful she is in good health.”
